An earthquake releases a strain of mutant cockroaches with the ability to start fires, which proceed to cause destructive chaos in a small town. The studies carried out by scientist James Parmiter, however, reveal an intent with much more far-reaching consequences.

The host of a children's TV show is really a psychopathic killer, and when he hears stories from the kids who watch his show about the abuse they get from their parents, he starts visiting the parents and murdering them.

A gangster's former mistress hooks up with a troupe of circus midgets who, as a sideline, rob banks and casinos.

A young priest questions his faith after he falls in love with a social worker.

A German living in India during World War II is blackmailed by the English to impersonate an SS officer on board a cargo ship leaving Japan for Germany carrying a large supply of rubber for tyres. His mission is to disable the scuttling charges so the captain cannot sink the ship if they are stopped by English warships.